After clearing $9 million in cap space with the P.K. Subban trade, the Nashville Predators are now set to go for a big name free agent, like Artemi Panarin.
Saturday afternoon, Nashville Predators fan were shocked to learn that the team had traded All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban to New Jersey, for next to nothing. Nashville received defensemen Jeremy Davies and Steve Santini, two players who aren’t expected to contribute much of anything in the near future. Additionally, the Predators received a 2nd-round pick in this year’s draft, and a 2020 2nd-round pick. Although the trade itself is a huge loss for the Predators, the logic behind it holds sound, as it creates room for the Preds to add a guy like Artemi Panarin.
Laying the Groundwork
While we do know that Artemi’s favorite landing spots are New York and Florida, the Nashville Predators could end up being a good fit for him if David Poile decides to attempt for a meeting.
It had been known for some time that the Predators were in the market for a big name forward this summer. It was also known that Nashville would most likely have to get rid of a contract like Subban’s in order to make it work. His annual $9 million cap hit through 2022 was a problem for GM David Poile, as the Predators were forced to take on Subban’s massive contract that he signed with Montreal back in 2014.
Subban’s cap hit alone was going to be more than Viktor Arvidsson and Craig Smith‘s combined next season.
So, in order to clear the necessary room for a player like Artemi Panarin, Poile had to make a move that would dump a massive contract and not take on an equally large one in return.
That’s why the Predators got the shortest end of the straw imaginable.
Now though, David Poile is freed up to go get the big name winger that he’s been longing for.
Columbus’ Artemi Panarin needs to be that guy.
The Case for Panarin
Simply put, going after Artemi Panarin is a no brainer for the Predators. Panarin is about to enter his 5th year in the league and has been fantastic in all 4 previous seasons. In his first two years in Chicago, the Pan Man racked up 61 goals, 90 assists, and a +44 rating in 162 games. After moving over to Columbus before the 2017-2018 season, the production only increased.
In 160 games with the Blue Jackets, Panarin tallied 55 goals, 114 assists, and a +42 rating.
His 87 points a year ago were good for 17th best in the league, and 23 points higher than any Predator.
Additionally, last season, Panarin finished 19th in the NHL in goals created and 5th in game-winning goals.
Panarin is one of the best wingers in the game, in all aspects of the game. He is a scoring machine who has a nose for the puck. Panarin makes plays no matter where he is on the ice, and any team would instantly be better with his presence.
He has one of the quickest, most accurate, and prettiest shots in the league. He is definitely more finesse than muscle, but he works that dynamic very well.
Panarin’s game translates well to that of Patrick Kane. Both are very similar in size, speed, and play style. They are quick wingers who love to shoot the puck and do it very well. They are also both outstanding passers who can spread the ice out with their vision, skating ability, and expert touch.
When he’s on the ice, Panarin’s team produces. He has a career Corsi rating of 55.1%, meaning that Panarin’s team controls the puck and takes more shots than the opponents when he is on the ice.
55% and above is considered “elite” in the NHL in this category. His 54.8% rating in 79 games from last season was higher than every Predator except Rocco Grimaldi, Filip Forsberg, and Frederick Gaudreau, none of whom played more than 65 games.
Where He Fits
To me, Panarin would work beautifully on the Predators’ second line. Alongside Kyle Turris and either Craig Smith and Mikael Granlund, Panarin would produce big time. To me, that line works best with Turris centering Smith and Panarin. Coming off of his worst year in the NHL, Turris needs some help on that second line if he wants to keep his career afloat.
Panarin would be exactly that.
Smith is a grittier wing that is more physical and hard-nosed than many. That physicality forces teams to put an extra man on Smith at times, which would bode well for Panarin’s laser shot. Similarly, whether the extra focus was on Smith or Panarin, less attention on Turris would absolutely help his production.
This match works very well to me, and that’s not just because I’m a Predators fan. After how they finished last season, it’s clear that Nashville needs an offensive boost.
Similarly, this match now works financially. After the Subban trade, Nashville has just over $13 million in cap space this season, which is more than enough to sign their man. Panarin made $6 million each of the last two seasons but is likely due for a raise.
If Poile and the Predators play their cards right this summer, they could sign Panarin and extend captain Roman Josi, another move that Poile has shown great interest in, before Josi becomes a UFA after next season.
Panarin would energize a franchise that hasn’t really had a superstar since Paul Kariya. He would improve the NHL’s worst power play. And obviously, he would provide an offensive boost that any team would love.
You’ve made the room and found the money, now go get him, Poile.